**What Does A Flying Squirrel Eat? Diet, Habits, And More**

What Does A Flying Squirrel Eat? The flying squirrel diet includes a mix of nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and even insects and small animals, showcasing their adaptability in finding food. At flyermedia.net, we provide in-depth information about these fascinating creatures and their unique dietary habits. Learn more about their nutrition and behavior.

1. What Is The Primary Diet Of Flying Squirrels?

The primary diet of flying squirrels consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and insects. They are omnivorous, meaning they consume both plant and animal matter to meet their nutritional needs.

Flying squirrels are not picky eaters, but they do have their preferences and seasonal variations in their diet. Let’s explore the variety of foods that make up their diet:

Nuts and Seeds: Beechnuts, acorns, hickory nuts, and conifer seeds are staples, especially during winter. These are often stored in caches for later consumption.
Fruits: Various fruits provide essential vitamins and sugars.
Fungi: Mushrooms and other fungi are important sources of nutrients.
Insects and Small Animals: Insects, bird eggs, carrion, and even small rodents supplement their diet with protein.
Other: They also consume tree bark, buds, blossoms, sap, lichens, sunflower seeds and suet (especially near bird feeding stations).

The exact composition of their diet can vary based on location, season, and availability of food sources. Southern flying squirrels, for example, tend to have a more varied diet due to their omnivorous nature. According to research from the Journal of Mammalogy, flying squirrels adapt their diet to available resources, enhancing their survival in different environments.

2. Do Flying Squirrels Eat Meat Or Are They Primarily Herbivores?

Flying squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plant matter. While nuts and seeds form a significant part of their diet, they also consume insects, bird eggs, carrion, and even small rodents.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of their omnivorous diet:

Animal Matter: Insects, larvae, bird eggs, and carrion provide essential proteins and fats.
Plant Matter: Nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi offer carbohydrates and vitamins.

Their consumption of animal matter sets them apart from many other tree squirrels, providing them with a more balanced nutritional intake. The Journal of Wildlife Management notes that the inclusion of animal protein in their diet is especially important during breeding season and times of nutritional stress.

3. What Kinds Of Nuts And Seeds Do Flying Squirrels Prefer?

Flying squirrels prefer beechnuts, acorns, hickory nuts, and conifer seeds. These nuts and seeds are rich in fats and proteins, providing essential energy for the squirrels, especially during the colder months.

Let’s take a closer look at why these nuts and seeds are favored:

Beechnuts: High in fat and easy to store.
Acorns: Another excellent source of fat and carbohydrates.
Hickory Nuts: Rich in calories and nutrients.
Conifer Seeds: Provide energy and are available in coniferous forests.

Southern flying squirrels begin storing these nuts and seeds in late summer, caching them in their nests, on the ground, and in trees to ensure a steady food supply during winter. According to a study in the Ecology journal, the ability to store food is crucial for the survival of flying squirrels in regions with harsh winters.

4. How Do Flying Squirrels Find Food In The Winter?

Flying squirrels find food in the winter by relying on their stored caches of nuts and seeds. They also forage for conifer seeds, tree bark, buds, and any available food source under the snow.

Here are the key strategies they use:

Caching: Storing food in multiple locations to ensure a supply.
Foraging: Searching for available food sources even under the snow.
Communal Nesting: Huddling together in groups to conserve energy and reduce food needs.

Communal nesting, where multiple squirrels share a nest, helps conserve body heat, reducing the amount of food needed to stay warm. Research from the Journal of Thermal Biology indicates that communal nesting can significantly lower individual energy expenditure during winter.

5. Do Flying Squirrels Eat Insects? If So, Which Ones?

Yes, flying squirrels do eat insects. They consume various invertebrates such as larvae, beetles, and other insects they can find in tree bark, decaying wood, and leaf litter.

Here’s why insects are an important part of their diet:

Protein Source: Insects provide essential amino acids necessary for growth and maintenance.
Availability: Insects are relatively abundant in their habitat, especially during warmer months.
Dietary Supplement: They diversify their diet and provide nutrients not found in nuts and seeds alone.

A study published in the American Midland Naturalist found that insect consumption increases during the breeding season, suggesting that the protein from insects is crucial for reproduction and raising young.

6. What Role Does Fungi Play In A Flying Squirrel’s Diet?

Fungi, such as mushrooms and lichens, play a significant role in a flying squirrel’s diet by providing essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They consume fungi throughout the year, but it becomes especially important in the fall and winter when other food sources are scarce.

Here’s how fungi contribute to their diet:

Nutrient Source: Fungi are rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
Winter Sustenance: They provide a food source when nuts and seeds are limited.
Variety: Fungi add diversity to their diet, ensuring a balanced intake of nutrients.

Research from the Mycological Society of America highlights that certain types of fungi also contain compounds that boost the immune system and provide other health benefits to flying squirrels.

7. How Do Flying Squirrels Adapt Their Diet To Different Seasons?

Flying squirrels adapt their diet to different seasons by consuming whatever food sources are most readily available. In the fall, they focus on nuts and seeds, storing them for winter. In the spring and summer, they eat more fruits, insects, and fungi.

Here’s a seasonal breakdown of their diet:

Spring: Buds, blossoms, tree sap, fruits, insects, and emerging vegetation.
Summer: Fruits, insects, fungi, and occasional bird eggs.
Fall: Nuts, seeds, and fungi, with an emphasis on caching for winter.
Winter: Stored nuts and seeds, conifer seeds, tree bark, and whatever else they can find.

According to a study in the Canadian Journal of Zoology, this dietary flexibility is crucial for their survival, allowing them to thrive in environments with changing food availability.

8. Do Flying Squirrels Ever Eat Bird Eggs Or Baby Birds?

Yes, flying squirrels have been known to eat bird eggs and baby birds, though it is not a primary part of their diet. They are opportunistic omnivores and will consume animal matter when available.

Here’s some context:

Opportunistic Feeding: They take advantage of easy protein sources when available.
Rare Occurrence: Bird eggs and baby birds are not a regular part of their diet.
Dietary Supplement: Provides a boost of protein, especially during breeding season.

Ornithological journals report that flying squirrels’ predation on bird nests is relatively rare and typically occurs when other food sources are scarce.

9. What Is The Role Of Tree Sap In A Flying Squirrel’s Diet?

Tree sap plays a role in a flying squirrel’s diet, particularly in the spring when other food sources may be limited. The sap provides a source of sugar and hydration, helping them meet their energy needs.

Here’s why tree sap is important:

Energy Source: Sugars in tree sap offer a quick energy boost.
Hydration: Helps maintain hydration levels, especially during drier periods.
Seasonal Food: Provides a food source when other options are scarce.

A study in the Forest Ecology and Management journal notes that flying squirrels often target sugar maples and other trees with high sap content to supplement their diet in early spring.

10. How Do Flying Squirrels Store Food?

Flying squirrels store food by creating caches of nuts and seeds in various locations, including their nests, on the ground, and in tree cavities. This behavior is essential for their survival during the winter months when food is scarce.

Here’s how they manage their food storage:

Multiple Caches: They create numerous small caches to reduce the risk of losing their entire supply.
Strategic Locations: They choose locations that are easily accessible and provide protection from the elements.
Hidden Storage: They bury nuts and seeds or hide them in tree crevices, covering them with leaves or debris.

The Journal of Behavioral Ecology reports that flying squirrels have excellent spatial memory, allowing them to remember the locations of their caches even months later.

11. What Is the Impact of Human Food Sources On Flying Squirrels?

Human food sources, such as bird feeders and improperly stored food, can have both positive and negative impacts on flying squirrels. While they can provide an easy meal, they can also lead to dependency and health issues.

Here’s a breakdown of the impacts:

Positive Impacts:
- Easy Food Source: Bird feeders offer readily available seeds and nuts, especially during lean times.
- Increased Survival Rates: Access to consistent food can improve survival rates, especially for young squirrels.
Negative Impacts:
- Dependency: Squirrels may become dependent on human-provided food, reducing their natural foraging behavior.
- Poor Nutrition: Processed human food can lack essential nutrients, leading to health problems.
- Increased Predation Risk: Concentrated food sources can attract predators, increasing the risk to squirrels.
- Overpopulation: Easy access to food can lead to higher population densities, increasing competition and disease transmission.

A study in the Wildlife Society Bulletin found that flying squirrels near human settlements often have higher body weights but also show signs of nutritional deficiencies due to a reliance on less nutritious human food.

12. How Does Habitat Loss Affect The Diet Of Flying Squirrels?

Habitat loss significantly affects the diet of flying squirrels by reducing the availability of their natural food sources. Deforestation and urbanization lead to fewer nut-bearing trees, fungi, and insects, forcing squirrels to adapt to less optimal diets.

Here’s how habitat loss impacts their diet:

Reduced Food Availability: Fewer trees mean fewer nuts, seeds, and fruits.
Loss of Fungi: Deforestation disrupts the forest ecosystem, reducing the abundance of fungi.
Decreased Insect Populations: Habitat destruction affects insect populations, reducing a key protein source.
Increased Competition: Remaining resources are competed for by a larger number of squirrels.

The journal Conservation Biology highlights that habitat fragmentation can isolate squirrel populations, limiting their ability to find diverse food sources and increasing their vulnerability to malnutrition.

13. What Are The Common Predators Of Flying Squirrels And How Does This Affect Their Foraging Behavior?

Common predators of flying squirrels include raccoons, foxes, weasels, bobcats, hawks, owls, and domestic cats. The presence of these predators significantly affects their foraging behavior, making them more cautious and nocturnal.

Here’s how predation risk shapes their behavior:

Nocturnal Activity: Flying squirrels are primarily nocturnal to avoid diurnal predators such as hawks.
Increased Vigilance: They are constantly alert for signs of danger while foraging.
Use of Cover: They prefer foraging in areas with dense vegetation and tree cover to reduce visibility to predators.
Caching Behavior: Storing food allows them to reduce the amount of time spent foraging in risky areas.

A study in the Behavioral Ecology journal found that flying squirrels adjust their foraging behavior based on the perceived risk of predation, spending less time in open areas and more time near protective cover.

14. Do Flying Squirrels Need To Drink Water, Or Do They Get Enough Moisture From Their Food?

Flying squirrels do need to drink water, although they can obtain some moisture from their food. Fresh water sources are essential, especially during dry periods or when their diet consists mainly of dry nuts and seeds.

Here’s how they meet their hydration needs:

Direct Water Consumption: They drink from streams, puddles, and other water sources.
Moisture From Food: They obtain some water from fruits, fungi, and tree sap.
Dew and Rain: They may also drink dew or rainwater collected on leaves and branches.

The Journal of Mammalian Biology notes that access to fresh water is a critical factor in the habitat suitability for flying squirrels, particularly in arid regions.

15. How Do Flying Squirrels Contribute To Forest Ecosystems Through Their Diet?

Flying squirrels contribute to forest ecosystems through their diet in several ways, including seed dispersal, fungal spore dispersal, and insect population control. Their foraging habits play a crucial role in maintaining the health and diversity of the forest.

Here’s how their diet benefits the ecosystem:

Seed Dispersal: By caching nuts and seeds, they help distribute tree seeds throughout the forest, promoting regeneration.
Fungal Spore Dispersal: Consuming fungi helps spread fungal spores, which are essential for mycorrhizal relationships that support tree growth.
Insect Control: Eating insects helps regulate insect populations, preventing outbreaks that could damage trees and vegetation.

A study in the journal Forest Ecology and Management highlights that flying squirrels are important ecosystem engineers, shaping the composition and structure of forests through their dietary habits.

16. Are There Differences In Diet Between Northern And Southern Flying Squirrels?

Yes, there are differences in diet between northern and southern flying squirrels, primarily due to differences in their geographic locations and available food sources. Northern flying squirrels rely more on conifer seeds and fungi, while southern flying squirrels have a more varied diet that includes more insects and fruits.

Here’s a comparison:

Northern Flying Squirrels:
- Conifer Seeds: A staple food source due to their prevalence in northern forests.
- Fungi: Consume a variety of fungi, including truffles, which are an important part of their diet.
- Lichens: Eat lichens, especially during winter.
Southern Flying Squirrels:
- Nuts and Seeds: Consume acorns, beechnuts, and hickory nuts.
- Insects: Eat a variety of insects, including beetles and larvae.
- Fruits: Consume fruits when available.
- Carrion: Occasionally eat carrion.

A study in the Canadian Journal of Zoology found that northern flying squirrels have a more specialized diet adapted to the coniferous forests they inhabit, while southern flying squirrels are more generalist feeders.

17. How Do Flying Squirrels Locate Food At Night?

Flying squirrels locate food at night using a combination of their keen sense of smell, hearing, and touch. They have large eyes that are adapted for low-light vision, and they use their sensitive whiskers to navigate in the dark.

Here’s how they find food in the dark:

Sense of Smell: They have a strong sense of smell that allows them to locate buried nuts and fungi.
Hearing: They can hear the sounds of insects and other prey moving in the leaf litter.
Touch: Their sensitive whiskers help them navigate through dense vegetation and locate food items.
Low-Light Vision: Their large eyes allow them to see in low-light conditions.

Research from the Journal of Experimental Biology indicates that flying squirrels have specialized adaptations in their eyes and brain that enhance their nocturnal vision.

18. What Are The Nutritional Needs Of Flying Squirrels?

The nutritional needs of flying squirrels include a balanced intake of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are essential for their growth, maintenance, reproduction, and overall health.

Here’s a breakdown of their nutritional requirements:

Carbohydrates: Provide energy for daily activities.
Fats: Offer a concentrated source of energy and support hormone production.
Proteins: Essential for building and repairing tissues.
Vitamins and Minerals: Support various physiological functions, including immune system health and bone development.

A study in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases found that nutritional deficiencies can increase the susceptibility of flying squirrels to diseases and parasites.

19. How Do Young Flying Squirrels Learn What To Eat?

Young flying squirrels learn what to eat by observing and imitating their mothers. Mothers introduce their young to various food sources and teach them how to find and handle food.

Here’s how the learning process occurs:

Observation: Young squirrels watch their mothers as they forage for food.
Imitation: They imitate their mothers’ behavior, learning how to locate and handle different food items.
Trial and Error: They experiment with different foods, learning what is safe and nutritious.
Social Learning: They may also learn from other squirrels in their social group.

Research from the Animal Behaviour journal highlights the importance of maternal care in the development of foraging skills in young flying squirrels.

20. Are Flying Squirrels Attracted To Specific Types Of Bird Feeders Or Birdseed?

Flying squirrels are attracted to bird feeders, especially those containing sunflower seeds and suet. They are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of any readily available food source.

Here’s what attracts them to bird feeders:

Sunflower Seeds: High in fat and protein, making them a desirable food source.
Suet: Provides a concentrated source of energy, especially during winter.
Accessibility: Bird feeders offer an easy and reliable source of food.

However, attracting flying squirrels to bird feeders can also lead to conflicts with birds and other wildlife. It’s important to use feeders that are designed to minimize access by non-target species and to provide a balanced diet for all animals.

21. Can Flying Squirrels Be Considered Pests Due To Their Dietary Habits?

Flying squirrels can be considered pests if their dietary habits lead them to cause damage to property or consume food intended for humans. They may enter homes in search of food and shelter, and they may raid bird feeders and gardens.

Here’s how they can become pests:

Home Invasions: They may enter attics, basements, and other parts of homes in search of food and shelter.
Property Damage: They may gnaw on wires, insulation, and other materials.
Food Theft: They may raid bird feeders, gardens, and stored food supplies.

However, it’s important to remember that flying squirrels are also a valuable part of the ecosystem, and their presence can be tolerated with proper management and preventative measures.

22. What Steps Can Homeowners Take To Prevent Flying Squirrels From Eating Garden Plants And Fruits?

Homeowners can take several steps to prevent flying squirrels from eating garden plants and fruits, including using physical barriers, repellents, and habitat modification.

Here are some effective strategies:

Physical Barriers: Install fences, netting, or cages around plants and trees to prevent squirrels from accessing them.
Repellents: Use commercial or homemade repellents to deter squirrels from feeding on plants.
Habitat Modification: Remove food sources that attract squirrels, such as bird feeders and fallen fruits.
Trapping: Consider trapping and relocating squirrels, although this may require a permit.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers detailed guides on how to protect gardens from squirrels and other pests, providing valuable tips and advice for homeowners.

23. How Does Climate Change Affect The Availability Of Food For Flying Squirrels?

Climate change can significantly affect the availability of food for flying squirrels by altering the distribution and abundance of their natural food sources. Changes in temperature, precipitation, and seasonal patterns can impact the growth of trees, the production of nuts and seeds, and the populations of insects and fungi.

Here’s how climate change impacts their food supply:

Changes in Tree Distribution: Warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can shift the geographic ranges of tree species, affecting the availability of nuts and seeds.
Impact on Nut and Seed Production: Climate change can disrupt the timing and abundance of nut and seed production, leading to food shortages for squirrels.
Effects on Insect Populations: Changes in temperature and precipitation can affect insect populations, reducing a key protein source for squirrels.
Alterations in Fungi Growth: Climate change can impact the growth and distribution of fungi, affecting a critical food source, especially for northern flying squirrels.

A report by the National Wildlife Federation highlights that climate change is one of the greatest threats to the long-term survival of flying squirrels and other wildlife species, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to mitigate these impacts.

24. What Role Do Lichens Play In The Diet Of Flying Squirrels, Especially In Winter?

Lichens play a crucial role in the diet of flying squirrels, especially in winter, as they provide a source of carbohydrates and other nutrients when other food sources are scarce. Northern flying squirrels, in particular, rely on lichens to supplement their diet during the colder months.

Here’s why lichens are important:

Nutrient Source: Lichens contain carbohydrates, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
Winter Sustenance: They provide a food source when nuts, seeds, and fruits are limited.
Accessibility: Lichens are often readily available on trees and rocks, making them a reliable food source.

Research from the USDA Forest Service indicates that lichens are a critical component of the winter diet for northern flying squirrels, helping them survive harsh conditions.

25. How Does Deforestation Impact The Diet And Survival Of Flying Squirrels?

Deforestation has a profound impact on the diet and survival of flying squirrels by removing their habitat and reducing the availability of their natural food sources. The loss of trees and forests leads to fewer nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and insects, making it difficult for squirrels to find enough food to survive.

Here’s how deforestation affects them:

Habitat Loss: Deforestation removes the trees and forests that provide shelter and nesting sites for flying squirrels.
Reduced Food Availability: Fewer trees mean fewer nuts, seeds, and fruits.
Loss of Fungi: Deforestation disrupts the forest ecosystem, reducing the abundance of fungi.
Decreased Insect Populations: Habitat destruction affects insect populations, reducing a key protein source.
Increased Competition: Remaining resources are competed for by a larger number of squirrels.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several species of flying squirrels as threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and deforestation, emphasizing the critical need for conservation efforts to protect their remaining habitats.

26. What Is The Average Daily Food Consumption Of A Flying Squirrel?

The average daily food consumption of a flying squirrel varies depending on factors such as their size, age, activity level, and the availability of food. However, on average, a flying squirrel consumes about 5-10% of its body weight in food each day.

Here’s a more detailed estimate:

Body Weight: Flying squirrels typically weigh between 2 and 5 ounces (57-142 grams).
Daily Consumption: They consume about 0.1 to 0.5 ounces (3-14 grams) of food per day.

This consumption rate can increase during the winter months when squirrels need to consume more calories to maintain their body temperature. A study in the Journal of Thermal Biology found that flying squirrels increase their food intake by as much as 20% during winter to compensate for increased energy expenditure.

27. Do Flying Squirrels Eat Different Foods When They Are Pregnant Or Nursing?

Yes, flying squirrels eat different foods when they are pregnant or nursing to meet their increased nutritional needs. Pregnant and nursing females require more protein, fat, and calcium to support the development of their young and produce milk.

Here’s how their diet changes:

Increased Protein Intake: They consume more insects, bird eggs, and other protein-rich foods to support fetal development and milk production.
Higher Fat Consumption: They eat more nuts and seeds to provide the energy needed for pregnancy and nursing.
Calcium Supplementation: They may consume bone fragments or other calcium-rich foods to support bone development in their offspring.

Research from the Journal of Mammalogy indicates that pregnant and nursing female flying squirrels exhibit selective foraging behavior, choosing foods that are higher in protein and fat to meet their increased nutritional demands.

28. How Do Flying Squirrels Help Control Insect Populations Through Their Diet?

Flying squirrels help control insect populations through their diet by preying on various insects and invertebrates. As omnivores, they consume insects as a regular part of their diet, especially during the spring and summer months when insects are abundant.

Here’s how they contribute to insect control:

Predation on Insects: They prey on a variety of insects, including beetles, larvae, and caterpillars.
Regulation of Insect Populations: By consuming insects, they help regulate insect populations, preventing outbreaks that could damage trees and vegetation.
Ecosystem Balance: Their insect consumption contributes to the overall balance of the forest ecosystem.

A study in the journal Forest Ecology and Management found that flying squirrels can play a significant role in controlling insect populations in forests, helping to maintain the health and stability of the ecosystem.

29. What Is The Impact Of Pesticide Use On The Diet And Health Of Flying Squirrels?

The use of pesticides can have a significant impact on the diet and health of flying squirrels by reducing the availability of insects and other invertebrates that they rely on for food. Pesticides can also directly poison squirrels if they consume contaminated insects or plants.

Here’s how pesticides affect them:

Reduced Food Availability: Pesticides can kill insects and other invertebrates, reducing the availability of food for flying squirrels.
Direct Poisoning: Squirrels can be directly poisoned if they consume contaminated insects or plants.
Bioaccumulation: Pesticides can accumulate in the tissues of squirrels, leading to chronic health problems.
Disruption of Ecosystem: Pesticide use can disrupt the forest ecosystem, affecting the overall health and survival of flying squirrels.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has conducted studies on the impact of pesticides on wildlife, finding that pesticide use can pose a significant threat to the health and survival of flying squirrels and other non-target species.

30. How Can Conservation Efforts Help Maintain A Healthy Diet For Flying Squirrels?

Conservation efforts can help maintain a healthy diet for flying squirrels by protecting their habitat, promoting sustainable forest management practices, and reducing the use of pesticides. By ensuring that flying squirrels have access to a diverse and abundant food supply, conservation efforts can help support their long-term survival.

Here are some key conservation strategies:

Habitat Protection: Protecting forests and other habitats that provide food and shelter for flying squirrels.
Sustainable Forest Management: Promoting forest management practices that maintain a diversity of tree species and promote the growth of nut-bearing trees.
Pesticide Reduction: Reducing the use of pesticides in forests and other habitats to protect insect populations and prevent direct poisoning of squirrels.
Public Education: Educating the public about the importance of flying squirrels and the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitat and food supply.

Organizations like the U.S. Forest Service and the National Wildlife Federation are actively involved in conservation efforts to protect flying squirrels and their habitats, working to ensure that these fascinating creatures continue to thrive in our forests.

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FAQ About Flying Squirrels Diet

What is the most important food for flying squirrels?
Nuts and seeds are the most important food for flying squirrels, especially during winter, as they provide essential fats and proteins for energy.
Do flying squirrels eat birdseed?
Yes, flying squirrels eat birdseed, particularly sunflower seeds and suet, which are high in fat and provide a readily available food source.
Are flying squirrels harmful to gardens?
Flying squirrels can be harmful to gardens as they may eat plants, fruits, and vegetables, but this can be mitigated with proper barriers and repellents.
What do flying squirrels eat in the wild?
In the wild, flying squirrels eat nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, insects, bird eggs, carrion, tree bark, buds, blossoms, and sap, showcasing their omnivorous diet.
Can flying squirrels survive on a vegetarian diet?
While nuts, seeds, and fruits are a significant part of their diet, flying squirrels also need animal protein from insects, eggs, or carrion to thrive.
How do flying squirrels store their food?
Flying squirrels store their food by creating caches of nuts and seeds in various locations, including nests, on the ground, and in tree cavities.
Do flying squirrels eat mushrooms?
Yes, flying squirrels eat mushrooms and other fungi, which provide essential nutrients, especially in the fall and winter when other food sources are scarce.
What time of year do flying squirrels eat the most?
Flying squirrels eat the most in the fall to store food for the winter and again in the spring when they need energy for breeding and raising young.
What human foods are safe for flying squirrels?
Unsalted nuts and seeds are safe human foods for flying squirrels, but processed foods should be avoided due to their lack of nutritional value.
How does deforestation affect what flying squirrels eat?
Deforestation reduces the availability of natural food sources like nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects, forcing squirrels to adapt to less optimal diets and threatening their survival.

What Does A Flying Squirrel Eat? Diet, Habits, And More